Eurovision 2022 is just around the corner, and thousands of visitors from all over the world are gathering in Turin these days.
We’re all excited to party again after two long years of isolation, but let’s not forget that Covid is still very much real, and we should all be mindful of regulations and restrictions to protect ourselves and others.
It can be a bit challenging to navigate the ever-changing regulations in Italy, so here’s a practical guide to the current Covid restrictions if you’re travelling to Turin during ESC season.
All the rules listed below apply starting May 1, 2022.
Before you leave: Green Pass and Super Green Pass
Even before entering Italy, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the terminology regarding Covid certificates: you’ll most likely be asked to show a green pass, which is the name used in Italy for the Covid certificate that comes with a QR code.
The term “green pass” encompasses the EU digital Covid certificate (issued by all EU countries), as well as the Covid certificates issued by Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Japan, Israel, the United Kingdom, India and Brasil.
If you don’t have a Covid certificate, fear not: there are other ways to obtain a green pass.
In general, proof of vaccination is accepted all over Italy (and considered a green pass) if you’re vaccinated with the following vaccines:
- Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNtech);
- Moderna;
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca);
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson);
- Nuvaxovid (Novavax);
- Covishield (Serum Institute of India), produced under license from AstraZeneca;
- R-CoVI (R-Pharm), manufactured under license from AstraZeneca;
- Covid-19 vaccine-recombinant (Fiocruz), manufactured under license from AstraZeneca.
If you’re not vaccinated, you can obtain a green pass by showing a negative Covid test (antigen or PCR).
You could also hear or read the name super green pass, which is strictly obtained with proof of vaccination. To summarize the differences:
- Basic green pass: can be obtained either through proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. With a negative PCR test, the green pass will be valid for 72 hours, and with an antigen test for 48 hours.
- Super green pass: can only be obtained with proof of vaccination, or proof that you previously had Covid and recovered. It’s equivalent to most Covid certificates issued in Europe.
Don’t be too worried, though: the super green pass was mostly relevant up until April 30, when it was required to access most facilities. Starting May 1, it won’t be needed anymore (with a few exceptions that we’ll list later on).
Entering Italy: what do you need?
To enter Italy, you’re required to show a valid green pass in its “basic” form (proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test).
As of May 1, you’ll no longer need a PLF (passenger locator form). The green pass is the only requirement.
Mask mandate
The mask mandate is probably among the most confusing Covid restricitons in Italy, since its rules and exceptions are changing from May 1.
First of all, let’s talk about the type of mask you’re required to wear: in Italy, a reusable cloth mask won’t be accepted everywhere. In places where the mask mandate is still valid, you’re required to wear a FFP2 mask, so we strongly recommend buying a stock before you leave. FFP2 masks are also available in most pharmacies and supermarkets in Italy.
The “classic” surgical mask may be accepted, but it’s best not to risk it and go directly for the FFP2.
Where do you have to wear a mask?
- on all public transport: buses, subway, regional trains, high-speed trains, ferries and airplanes;
- in hospitals (hope you won’t need it though);
- in cinemas, theaters and all indoor shows such as concerts, as well as in sports halls (this of course includes Pala Alpitour, so you’ll be required to wear a FFP2 mask during ESC concerts).
As of May 1, you won’t be required to wear a mask anywhere else. So restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other public places are all accessible without a mask. Same goes for outdoor events, including the ones at Eurovillage. Indoor events, on the other hand, always require a mask.
Social distancing
While there are no strict rules around social distancing, respecting distances is still very much appreciated in Italy. Make sure to always stay at least 1 meter away from other people, especially in grocery stores and pharmacies.
Covid rules in the Eurovision bubble
Safety will be a top priority during ESC 2022.
Procedures were defined in great detail by both Rai and EBU in order to guarantee a safety “bubble” within which artists, musicians, press and other professionals will be able to move freely.
In a section of the official delegation handbook, the EBU and RAI include a section entitled, “Anti Covid-19 measures.”
It states: “Inside the Main Venue and the Delegation Bubble wearing an FFP2 mask is mandatory.”
Another section about the delegation bubble — where artists and their teams relax and unwind — lists similar rules and guidance: “Use sanitising gel and wear the FFP2 face mask whilst inside the Bubble.”
At the Heads of Delegation meeting in March, the EBU shared the following rules:
“You should: respect at least one meter between people, sanitize and wash your hands often always wear the FFP2 mask indoors in the Venue.”
Regarding the audience, the safety model is the same used by Rai for Sanremo 2022, but this time under the supervision of the EBU.
Before entering Pala Alpitour, security checks will be carried out with anti-explosive dogs and visual inspections. During each show there will be more than a hundred security guards.
Where to get tested in Turin
You can get an antigen (rapid) Covid test in almost any pharmacy in the city. The price is:
- € 8,00 if you’re under 18 years old
- € 15,00 if you’re over 18 years old
Remember to bring your passport as proof of identity. The result of the test will be available after 15-20 minutes and sent via e-mail to the address you provided.
Some pharmacies don’t require a reservation, while others do. It’s best to call the pharmacy beforehand to confirm. Unfortunately, there isn’t a website where you can book your test. Just Google “pharmacies near me” and call, it’s the easiest way in Italy 🙂
What if you need a PCR test?
There are some pharmacies and structures where you can get a PCR test. Reservation-wise, the most recommended is Koelliker Hospital in Corso Unione Sovietica 178. You can book your test online here.
Select “Prenota un esame / visita”, then search for “Tampone molecolare – covid19”, select your desired date/time and proceed with the booking and payment.
What if you have Covid symptoms?
If you are experiencing Covid symptoms, immediately alert your hotel, hostel or Airbnb host. They will call the authorities and arrange testing for you. Don’t go to a pharmacy if you have symptoms, even if mild, because there is a different procedure to follow.
We also recommend calling the number 1500, the Italian line for the Covid-19 emergency, active 24/7.
More resources
- Updated regulations as of May 1 (in Italian)
- Covid testing in Piedmont (in Italian)
- Covid-19 information for travellers (in English)
We wish you a fun and safe ESC season in Turin!
European vaccination certificate or antigent test will be required to enter to AlpiTour on saturday?
Does anyone know if antigen tests will be made to everyone attending the live shows or you just need to wear your mask to enter? Thanks a lot!
Just to clarify – you can use an antigen (rapid) test to travel to Italy and no test/pass/qr is needed for the Eurovision arena – just an FFP2 mask? Can someone answer this please? Thanks!
No , thanks. You can stuff your restrictions
I thought the Green Pass was being scrapped tomorrow too. I am from Australia and have a vaccination certificate but apparently the Italian scanner can’t read the barcode. Could be a problem.
You still need it to enter Italy. The QRcode is needed only if you come from the EU, otherwise you need a vaccination certificate that states when was your last vaccination, which vaccine was used and how many doses you got
This is precisely why I opted not to go to ESC this year and I’m glad I’ve made that decision. Italy was always militant about COVID so this is not surprising, but it’s absurd that we’ve had fairly normal show in 2021 when COVID was still an emergency, but we get this absurdity in 2022 when most of Europe has already moved on and doesn’t bother with restrictions anymore.
Good luck to everyone spending 4 hours in a hot arena wearing an FFP2 mask…
I work in live theatre and I can assure you COVID is still a thing we’re constantly aware of. Good, stay home. I’d rather be having the time of my life, even if I’m wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is so not a big deal and none of these requirements should feel like a giant inconvenience unless you’re easily annoyed.
I’ve sat through plane flights, train rides, lectures, movies, plays, and graduation ceremonies in a mask. It’s just kind of a part of life now and I would rather have fun and be masked than stay home and do nothing. I don’t ENJOY wearing a mask, but if that’s what it takes to see Eurovision live, I’ll suck it up. Is what it is.
Each to their own and I hope you’ll have a great time. I wouldn’t enjoy it myself, so I’m going to other events and countries, where I can actually have – as you put it – time of my life. Luckily staying home isn’t the only alternative. I’ve been to quite a few events this year, including the final of Melodifestivalen, without all this nonsense with certificates, masks and distance. I can skip live Eurovision for one more year and hopefully next year it will be somewhere sane.
I feel sorry for you
?????
Also I was in the Tel Aviv arena and the place was FREEZING so if it’s anything like that I think temperature won’t be an issue
Ffp2 masks are not as uncomfortable as you make it out to be, here in Italy have been mandatory almost everywhere for months and I never had an issue with it
I have to wear it for work and it feels fine
This is going to be my first trip abroad since the pandemic so obviously I’m taking COVID safety incredibly seriously, especially since I’ll be going to the shows and Euro Club events and the last thing I need is to get COVID. This is all very helpful to know ahead of time, so thank you!